Ninja Legends 1

by CelestialGaze

What if you were part of the most hated clan in Japan? What if your parents were the most famous killers in your village? And what if...you never knew. Atari was adopted by the Lachapta family when he was born and lives to find his brother.

9. Chapter 9

Chapter 61

A Life and a Love

Atari peered at the map intently as the sun began waning fast. He confirmed before nightfall that indeed, they were going to have to face Celia. Mentioning Celia brought back memories of Tai, and his dreadful end. Atari felt horrible, thinking about Tai and Celia. He pondered their relationship, and how without Tai, Celia was alone. He wondered if she knew already that he was gone. If she didn't, she still probably believed they were engaged. How sad, Atari thought, Celia is engaged to a dead man until she finds out. They approached a meadow at dawn, but their trip was interrupted by a shrill scream from Tamari.

Kie stopped and Ren immediately jumped to her rescue. He lifted her to the ground and she gripped his hand tightly, he loved this moment.

"I think…she did more…that almost kill me."

Ren watched intently as her other hand trembled over to her right side. She grunted in pain and although aware of the dishonor and awkward thing he was doing, Ren lifted her kimono slightly, just to check. He removed her hand and she squealed. It was not just a kunine cut. It was a cut from a poisonous kunine. Celia had truly meant to kill her. Tamari was poisoned, and in her possible last moments of life. Atari joined Ren in hoisting Tamari onto a nearby flat rock that served as a bed. Her face exhibited true anguish and pain. Atari supported her head, and held her hand as Ren fed her some quickly made ramen soup and water with a spoon. Kie glared at Tamari jealously. Kie finally jumped off her horse and joined them, obviously being next to Atari. As Tamari screamed, and Kie smiled at Atari.

"Oh, Atari, I hope she is ok, don't you?"

"…yeah," replied Atari.

"But you know, when we return to Honamochi, you'll still have me," said Kie sparkling. Atari rolled his eyes as Tamari's hands became cold. She grunted again before screaming her last, pain-filled breath of anguish. As she settled down, she whispered to Ren;

"Ren…it's to late now but…I want you to know…I…love…you." Her eyes closed slowly, and her hands no longer trembled and shook. They went limp and cold. Atari dropped it and waited. Ren could not abide by the shinobi code no longer. He broke rule number 4, a rule all Jonin break at least once in their lives, bringing dishonor to their families nonetheless. Tashi had taught them:

"Never show personal emotion under any circumstance."

Ren burst into tears, laying his forehead on his hands crossed over Tamari's chest. He sobbed horribly. All his love for her was poured out now, in tears of mourning. He sobbed loudly:

"Tamari…I don't know if you can hear me but…I LOVE YOU TOO!"

Ren's eyes suddenly turned bloodshot. He gripped Tamari's cold wrist and stood up, sniffing after his outburst. "I vow here and now Tamari. Celia will pay for her actions. She'll pay with her life."

Ren pulled out a kunine and untied Tamari's scarf before tying it around the kunine handle. After she was buried in the woods and Ren shoved it into the ground with a mixed feeling of sadness, mourning, and anger. As with Celia and Atari, Ren now had a burning thirst for revenge that could only be quenched by Celia's head on his wall. Atari bent over comforting him.

"Ren…I know your pain. It's ok; you'll see Tamari again in nirvana, where you two can live happily together, bonded by the love you both shared. No one can take that from you ever." Ren accepted this token of comfort and all three mounted their horses again. And as Ren took one last look at Tamari's grave, he swore again:

"Celia will pay for this…she will…pay."

Chapter 62

Ends Meet

Aware that Celia was waiting for them in the Igna mountains, the squad pressed on boldly. Ren was driven by revenge, Kie was driven by a love for Atari, and Atari was driven by the long awaited reunion of him and Yuchi, and the demise and destruction of Orchi Sahuna. This drove them another day until they reached the foot of the Igna mountain range around noon.

A breeze blew by as the squad slowed their pace and entered the mountain range. About fifteen minutes into the mountains, a quick paced motion was heard. The sound of feet running in sandals was unmistakable. Atari started looking behind him many times to check their surroundings. It was not long before their suspicion proved true. In a blur, Atari was struck down from his horse and he rolled the ground, wrestling with this dark figure that kept attempting to puncture his neck with a kunine. Ren stared blankly. Kie screamed in shock. She finally hopped off her horse flabbergasted at the sight and tossed herself in, only to get kicked away by Atari himself.

"Get away, you guys head up to Corasant, and tell Yuchi I said hi." Kie's eyes filled with emotional tears.

"I am not leaving without you Atari." Atari tossed and turned with his opponent and managed to fling it into darkness far off the path. Standing up huffing, he stared into the darkness, egging it on. The shadows were distinguished however, by the illuminating sun. It was a familiar face, a charming face that glittered in the sun. But despite her charming appearance, her eyes were bloodshot with anger.

"I'm going to kill you Atari Menjin."

Atari finally realized who it was. It was Celia. Atari stared dismayed. She did not wait for a reaction, but instead lunged forward with the kunine tight in her hand. Atari dodged her attack and beckoned for a peaceful conversation.

"Why are you after me? What have I ever done to make you so angry?"

"You killed him Atari, you killed him!"

"Killed who?"

"Tai! You killed Tai! We were going to live a long life together, but you ruined it. You hear me, you filthy, bloody Menjin! You ruined it. You will pay for that! You will pay!!" Atari assumed that Orchi obviously told Celia that Tai was indeed dead, but not by his doing. Atari tried to explain, coaxing her and occasionally dodging her attacks:

"Celia…Tai is dead. But-"

"YOU KILLED HIM!"

"I didn't kill him. Orchi has told you a twisted story. He has told you something wrong. Tai committed suicide! I did not kill him. However, he did want me to tell you that…he loved you. He wanted to run away and be married to you, for the rest of your lives, but it was Orchi that interrupted your plans. It was he that caused Tai to be sent to kill me, and me to defend myself. However, he loved you dearly, and did not want someone else to be blamed for his death. It is for this reason that I am led to believe that he did this. Please Celia, I don't want to have to hurt you more than I have. Please believe me."

Celia's anger lessened, and instead of bulging madness in her eyes, tears gradually formed that gracefully fell from her cheeks and landed on the ground, only to seep away silently. She dropped her kunine and fell to her knees sobbing.

"This is…all Orchi's fault," and the evil name rolled on her tongue with a unique bitterness. She slowly got up and retreated into the woods to wash her face and clean up. Kie immediately hurried to Atari's side and gripped his scuffed wrist.

"Are you alright Atari," she asked sympathetically.

"Yeah, and Kie-"

"Yes Atari," replied Kie, her eyes glittering as if this had been the moment she had long awaited.

"Never try to save me again." Her glittering eyes faded away with disappointment.

"Alright, but you can always rely on me for help, especially in a fight." Atari nodded and Celia returned. Her pleasant appearance returned, without the bloodshot anger she had previously exhibited. Ren was captivated again and lost his heart at once. Unsure of whose horse she would ride on, Ren volunteered, blushing as Kie always did. As they packed up and prepared to proceed on their journey to Corasant, Kie eavesdropped on Ren and Celia's conversation. Ren stuttered abruptly as he asked her:

"Celia…now that…y-y-you know…about T-T-Tai…does t-t-that mean y-you're…single?" Celia was obviously feeling brighter now because she chuckled lightly and replied:

"You're a sweet boy Ren and yes, I am no longer engaged." You could see the expression of opportunity in Ren's eyes. He hoisted her up onto the back of the saddle and mounted himself. He kicked and attempted to show off by having his horse stand up on two legs and come down again, however, he was thrown off and kicked in the eye, another roadblock where the squad had to slow their progress. Celia chuckled at his foolishness. Ren blushed of embarrassment and ran to retrieve some medicine for the pain and possible infections. Atari shook his head sadly.

"Ren, what will I do with you," he whispered loud enough for him to here as he pressed an ice pack on his black eye.

"Love me, fight beside me, never leave me," replied Ren smiling despite his pain. After he felt well enough to ride again, Ren mounted and they were off. Atari occasionally looked back to see his friend with a feeling of importance as Celia hugged his waist to keep her from falling off. He chuckled occasionally. Well Ren, I guess you really are a chick magnet.

Chapter 63

Arriving at Corasant

Noon approached quickly the next day and the squad remained restless. As they exited the Igna Mountains, Corasant was now in view.

Indeed it was hidden, but it was also a marvelous city, larger and filled with soldiers and ninja patrolling nonstop. Citizens of Corasant were dressed in rags and were chained. They were put to work harvesting crops form the fields, cleaning armor, and forging weapons for the ninja and soldiers to use. With every group of about twenty of these enslaved people were a large man dressed as a samurai. This man would occasionally draw a whip with sharp pieces of metal on the end and strike one of the people on the back, sending lashing shrills of pain echoing throughout the city. He did this if one was moving slower than the others. If someone tried to stand up tot his samurai, he would merely draw his large sword and slice their head clean from their shoulders. Fear struck the squads' hearts every time they laid their eyes on these men. They were never has dangerous as an assassin, but they were excellently trained in the art of the sword. Atari felt the handle of the Sakabato firmly before they proceeded.

Despite the evil abiding in it, Corasant was very beautiful. The traditional armor the Corasant ninja's wore was made with the purest gold, with the picture of a lion engraved on the chest plate. Buildings ranged from a skyscraper to a tiny shop. The skyscrapers had elegant jewels that glittered in the sun's rays. Silver shafts shone brightly and the banners were made of the purest silk imported from China. Atari wondered how a city so beautiful and elegant would wish to remain hidden from the rest of Japan and the world. But as he saw soldiers whisking more and more citizens out of their homes to be enslaved, he saw a familiar sign. They all wore masks on their faces. This must be Waya's hometown, thought Atari as slave masters whipped the masks off their faces and sent them off, blood trickling form their faces. This is horrible; Orchi is more horrid than I was led to believe. How can he just destroy these people's way of life and culture? Atari pondered this as the squad picketed their horses on the edge of town, but left their reigns loose in case of a quick getaway. But as they approached the front gate, their presence was no longer a secret.

Orchi slammed his mug of tea down angrily. His eyes became dark with hatred and annoyance as he glared at the samurai general here before him.

"What? He lived? I thought Celia was going to kill him?"

"She seems to have been explained the true story master, and has believed the Menjin and his friends. Should I send a group of soldiers out to capture him," asked the samurai, trembling with fear, something a samurai did not do very often unless he was truly afraid.

"You idiot! This boy is the last of the Menjin; don't you know your history? I have been sending assassin squads one after another to kill this boy and yet, I end up losing my best ninja. Why, even Tai, that pathetic waste of skin could not defeat him, and better yet, Atari had let him live the first time. How much troubles can one little boy cause? Oh and Celia, poor Celia, was sent on her own accord to slaughter this boy and she ends up turning on us. She doesn't even have a purpose in life anymore, her fiancée is dead," Orchi huffed this angrily and the samurai shook.

"So what course of action do we take?" A sudden idea popped into Orchi's mind and an evil toothy grin curled on his lips.

"I have an idea…and Atari won't like it one bit," he answered beckoning someone hidden in the shadows so that only his shoes were seen in the sunlight. "Come here, my apprentice," he hissed coldly and the being emerged from the shadows. He had cold eyes similar to Orchi's and looked like he was about 18 years old. He uncrossed his arms from inside his black hooded cloak. He had a sword strapped to his back like any trained ninja. By his looks he was at least a Jonin. The sword was distinct however, with a gold and black handle and a sapphire blade.

"I am here my master," the apprentice answered, staring at Orchi for further instructions.

"Put this samurai out of his misery and then wait in the town square for a boy you may recognize, his name…is Atari Menjin." The apprentice smirked in disgust and hatred:

"I hate Menjin, and I hate the Amachi clan," growled the apprentice.

"I know you do…I know you do," answered Orchi. Leaning in closer to him, Orchi whispered a plan into the apprentice's ear.

"It will be done as you have commanded my master," acknowledged the apprentice, bowing with respect and exiting the room, his cloak whisking behind him.

Chapter 64

True Identity

Atari, Ren, and Kie did not seem to draw attention to them as they proceeded through town as if they did this every day. Some slaves peered at them with hope, while others peered at them with fear. They approached the town square where they could locate the palace where Atari sensed Orchi was residing. Suddenly, a black blue dropped from the banners overhead. He landed gracefully and the unmistakable image of a ninja sword was visible. His black cloak expanded on the ground like a bird spreads its wings. He stood up with black eyes. He remained silent and stared at them until the squad heard a lot of shouting coming from behind them. Familiar blue ninjas were stampeding toward them with kunine and swords raised.

"Kill the Menjin! Kill him, kill him!" Atari whipped around to still see the boy staring blankly. He snapped out of his daydreaming mode just in time to grab Atari's wrist and begin running away with Ren and Kie close on their heels. Arrows whizzed past Atari's cheeks just barely missing. The boy led them down an alleyway and led them into a dead end. Kie snapped at him:

"Who are you? Why are you suddenly helping us? How did you know who we were? And why don't you speak?" The boy remained silent and kicked the brick behind him. He turned around hissed words that made no sense to anyone in the squad. The bricks were suddenly rearranged into a doorway. The boy led them into it and after hissing again, torches lit the underground tunnel. Without saying an audible word, the boy continued to lead them down the tunnel. After many miles of dimly lit tunnel, the boy hissed at the wall and the bricks rearranged into a doorway as they did before.

They all followed the boy up the staircase and into the palace. They entered in the crappy dungeon. The boy shut the door and closed the latch. The boy caught up quickly and silently led them throughout the palace's maze of hallways and staircases. He led them up a final spiraling staircase until they reached a large wooden door, guarded by two huge samurai. The boy stepped forward and nodded his head. The samurai guards had a look of intense fear upon their faces as they immediately stepped the sides and allowed the group to pass. The doors shut loudly behind them as they looked at the room.

It was a study room no doubt, but of a strange sort. It had dummies with shurikan in them; wooden training weapons laid up on the shelves, a fireplace in one corner with two straw mats for sitting nearby it, and on the other side an oak desk with a large velvet armchair behind it turned with its back to them. The boy hissed inaudible words as he had all those other times and the fireplace was lit and the few candles on the walls were lit.

"Escort the other two out of here immediately. Leave them outside and tell the guards to not harm them," came a mysterious, cold, harsh voice that echoed throughout the study without any seeming beginning point. The boy bowed and led Ren and Kie outside. He then returned and stood by Atari.

"Who are you," asked Atari immediately.

"Why Atari, I'm surprised at you. You know me, and don't try to lie. You even know this boy, whom has yet to speak to you," came the voice again.

"You don't sound familiar and I do not know this boy," acknowledged Atari looking at him as he stared blankly.

"Oh yes you do," hissed the voice, and at that very moment, ever so slowly, the armchair turned to face them. The face was all too familiar. It was Orchi. Atari jumped into a fighting stance, but the boy merely lowered Atari's fists nodding to him. The expression on Orchi's face was of accomplishment, evil, darkness, fear, and hatred.

"You," growled Atari.

"Yes, it is me, the one and only Orchi Sahuna. I see you have met my apprentice?" Atari immediately turned to look at the boy next to him through new eyes. Something was familiar about him. Somehow, Atari and him seemed connected, but they had never met previously.

"Wait, he's your apprentice?"

"Yes."

"Is that why he does not speak?"

"No, he was waiting for the right time to speak…like right now," hissed Orchi beckoning the boy to his side, as where a proper apprentice should be. Atari asked one final question to the boy:

"Who are you?" The boy ignored his question blatantly.

"Come here…Yuchi."

Chapter 65

The Reason Why

Atari stared wide-eyed, stunned speechless, at this news and the ring of a familiar name. The boy immediately reported to Orchi's side at the hearing of his name.

"No…no…it can't be," whispered Atari, unable to believe this. "Yuchi Lachapta, my brother, is your apprentice?"

"Yes, and let's just say our deal did not have to do with just me. Yuchi, will you inform your little brother on our agreement?"

"Yes master," answered the boy stepping forward. Atari was so surprised he was unable to move.

"Begin with…the Greatest Hokage…12 years ago," instructed Orchi extending a toothy grin.

"12 years ago, a while back, was when the Greatest Hokage ruled Honamochi, my home village. One night, a destructive dragon was reported to have been seen. The Hokage went out to destroy it, and stumbled upon our home. Haro, my dear mother, was pregnant at the moment and was due in about a week…but her baby was early. I attempted to get help, but was unable to find anyone home and willing to help. The Hokage finally entered our home and beheld Haro, screaming, as if dying on the floor. In all, he ignored her and proceeded. A legendary battle was waged with the Hokage and the dragon, now known as the Living Demon. The Hokage retuned to our house promptly with a basket, holding a baby. As he entered the house I beheld something I wish I would have never seen ever. I saw the familiar handle of the Sakabato, and a curse mark upon the baby's neck. Hatred struck me deep within. All my life I was taught that the Sakabato was a deadly sword own by a man known as Reggie Menjin, a fierce murderer. In our family history he was the one who was responsible for my grandmother's unexplained death. After that observation, I knew that this baby, as humble as it appeared, as indeed the offspring of Reggie Menjin, and therefore a Menjin himself. My eternal hatred for the Menjin family and any friends of them burned eager to take revenge for my grandmother. Not only that, but that thought extinct clan, the Amachi clan, had a member in my very house. My two eternal hatreds, the Menjin and the Amachi, were both blended in this baby now in Haro's arms-'

"That doesn't explain why you left me…alone…always wondering why you left…why we couldn't have talked and grew up together like normal brothers-"

"I WILL NEVER BE RELATED TO A MENJIN! NEVER WILL I BE A RELATIVE OF AN AMACHI CLAN MEMBER! I HATE THEM, EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM! I WISH THEY WOULD BURN IN THE FIRES OF HELL FOR ALL ETERNITY. THEY DESERVE IT. REGGIE IS THERE NOW, AND YOU, HIS OFFSPRING, SHOULD JOIN HIM," shouted Yuchi angrily, pure black hatred reflected in his eyes. His face was red with anger. "I hate them." He enunciated "hate" with an extra hiss in it.

"But Yuchi…"

"Oh, and that is not all Atari, oh no, I got part of my revenge. After confirming this assumption, I retrieved a few smoke bombs and blinded everyone in the house. Grabbing my own kunine, I charged into the smoke and slaughtered the Hokage. I killed him. I was not planning to become as avenger, but it sure felt good to get revenge. I then went and tried to slaughter the baby along with it. I killed the Hokage, but was unable to find the baby in time to escape. So I wrote a note explaining vaguely what had happened, packed my shinobi things, and departed from the house. One desire still burned in me, as it still is, to kill that baby, now grown and standing before me. He was a Menjin, and therefore deserved to die. I killed the Hokage as punishment for bringing this baby into our lives to start with, for he should have just left it in the woods to starve, but no, he had sympathy for this babe, and decided that brining a Menjin into a family that hated them with all their strength, soul, mind, and heart, was a good idea. No, so I took revenge on him and strive with the dream of ending the Menjin family tree. Once Orchi fulfills his plan, I will be Japan's new shogun, making a name for myself and becoming famous and at the same time feared for my great accomplishment."

"And what accomplishment are you thinking of," asked Atari predicting the answer, anger bulging in his fists and heart. A soft throbbing began in the curse mark, but Atari ignored it. He could only stare at horror at Yuchi's words.

"I will be known as Yuchi Lachapta, the one who ended the Menjin. My name will be so feared and famous in history lessons and all throughout Japan that people with shutter at the thought of me and fear to speak my name aloud. Yuchi Lachapta ended the terrorizing family tree of the Menjin, and slaughtered the last of the hated Amachi clan. After I left Haro and Garu, I met up with Orchi, whom was also consumed by a thirst for revenge. He offered me a position as Japan's new shogun once his plan was fulfilled. I pledged myself to his teachings and he taught me more ninja techniques than even the average Jonin knows. As Japan's new shogun and Orchi's teachings, I would have both the political power and the physical power to crush you under by fist. You can choose to either abandon Japan and never return, or die. So, Atari Menjin, what will it be?"

Atari was shocked into the next world over. How could this be true? Could this really be Yuchi, his long awaited brother, telling him how much he truly hated the Amachi clan, and also hated the Menjin family? It seemed so unreal to be true, yet it was spoken from Yuchi's mouth.

"And Orchi, what does he have to do with all this."

"He can tell you his story himself, you Amachi slug," growled Yuchi no longer mute. Orchi stood up as Yuchi stepped back to his master's side.

"I see you look pleased to have been reunited with your brother," he said grinning evilly.

"What lies did you tell him Orchi? How much have you twisted his mind with your words of deceit?"

"Calm down Atari, I did not lie; I merely told Yuchi the truth, as told to me by my father. Fro instance, do you have any idea who your mother was, or how your father died," said Orchi raising an eyebrow.

"No, but what does that matter," snarled Atari.

"Well then, I will tell you what happened, and I can promise you now, this is no lie. This story was told to me by my father…the current emperor of Japan.

Chapter 66

The Hated Master

"I was born and raised as a normal child, but was deprived of one ingredient, one that separates a future ninja from a future demon…love. My mother died giving birth to me, and my father was unloving. At this time however, he was not emperor, he was the Hokage of Corasant, the city you are now abiding in. He taught me one ninja technique after another, brutally beating me with a whip complete with sharp hot pieces of metal on the tips every time I screwed up in the slightest way. I bled constantly during training. He abused me, showing no affection whatsoever, or what you people refer to as love. My father did not love me as Haro loved Yuchi or as Reggie loved you for the few weeks he was able to spend with you as an infant. He refused to give holidays off and worked me until I would collapse, but sure enough, as I drifted out of consciousness, I was rudely woken up abruptly and forced to work again. I was never allowed to rest until dawn and was awoken about three hours later for chores. It was a hard childhood, but one I had to live through. As my training progressed, my power grew, and as you were surely taught, a person that becomes to powerful becomes something that is feared. This was the case with me. I had been taught a jutsu that preserved my youth, and I tried it. I now had the youth from a twelve year old, but was 18. Even now, the jutsu has worn off slightly, but I am 26 years old and look only 18. My father was promoted to emperor after the current emperor Jundi III was assassinated. At this time I was 18, and was so powerful, if I wished I could have possible overthrow my father. This fact struck fear in him and he abandoned me to die. I was struck with hatred so deep and thirsty, that only the death of him would suffice. My own lust for power aided to this thirst for revenge. I became committed to slaughtering my father, and in doing so becoming the emperor of Japan. However, I needed a few assistants, from which I discovered on a mountain and a coincidental meeting with Yuchi. I discovered the tablet of the Living Demon. I decided to resurrect him, and with him as my servant, and Yuchi as my future shogun, I will rule Japan with an iron fist, sending my father to his grave, where he will burn in the endless fire of hell. He will pay for his cruel treatment and selfish fear that caused me to be abandoned. But my father had problems of his own, which is where you Atari come in and your father Reggie dies.

Reggie had made a name for him, and finally married a woman named Nami. They loved each other dearly, but Reggie refused to put down his sword for good as Nami wished. Nami became pregnant and gave birth when Japan was currently in the war with China. Reggie was a protective and loving father, despite the brutal avenger he was. During this time of war, Reggie constantly feared the slaughter of his son. As Reggie held him in his arms for one last time, he named him Atari and handed him to Nami before he departed to attempt to end the war. Nami gave him to her close friend whom lived in Honamochi and was a relative of Haro Lachapta. War ended four months later, but Atari was never collected again. One month later, word was out that my father had captured Nami to lure in Reggie. This trap worked beautifully.

Reggie tracked for my father and slaughtered many assassin ninja that my father had sent after him. After he found him, Reggie fought to free Nami for three long, strenuous days. During this long struggle Nami was killed by accident, not knowing who exactly killed her. Some believe it was a servant, but regardless, Nami was now dead, which drove Reggie over the top. Reggie was driven mad but in the end, my father did kill Reggie. After it was confirmed that he was dead, my father did not want to become "unclean" as a Buddhist priest would call it. So he dispatched the Sakabato back to Honamochi, which was confidentially found by the very friend nursing Atari.

When the Living Demon came, it killed the friend as she tried to escape, disguising Atari in a basket. In this basket she also packed his father's shinobi shozoku, the Sakabato, a tag, and a note explaining her delivery to Haro. She was killed on the mountain where the Hokage soon found the basket with the baby. In this way Atari, we are all connected in this mess of life. But in summary, my father killed Reggie, whom killed Yuchi's grandmother and countless others.

Face the facts Atari, Yuchi hates you, always will until your head is on his wall," finished Orchi bowing in respect and stepping back.

"What about the Chunin exams, when you and I fought. You had a curse mark too," snapped Atari pointing. Yuchi's eyes got wide as he turned to face his master.

"Is this true master? Are you…an Amachi?" Orchi's face turned a bloodshot red and he lowered his head.

"For many years my mother had kept her inheritance a secret, but now, in my generation, it is revealed."

"So you are an Amachi," assumed Yuchi. Orchi remained silent and pointed an angry finger at Atari:

"But he is a Menjin! He has both inheritances! Isn't that worse to have your own brother containing both than your master only containing one? Think Yuchi, you may hate the Amachi and Menjin equal, but unlike I was, you are not strong enough to overthrow me."

"But your jutsu is wearing off," smirked Yuchi turning his back to Atari. Atari began to relax, thinking that Yuchi's hate for the Menjin was overcome by his hate for the Amachi, even if he was a member as well.

"You are young still Yuchi, even though you also performed the very jutsu I was taught, mine was performed with much more power with more lasting effects. Therefore, I have as much youth as you do," replied Orchi raising his palm, and Yuchi stopped.

"You are not immortal master, you are only young. A jutsu sustaining immortal life takes much more chakra and energy than you have yet to obtain," smirked Yuchi, certain he was correct. Orchi's reaction confirmed this; indeed Orchi had preserved his youth to 18, but he was nor immortal. Yuchi smirked again: "However, you are correct master, I am not immortal either, but am preserved at the age of 18, but in reality I am 32 years old." Yuchi turned again, a renewed purpose in his eyes. "Prepare to die Atari Menjin; the last Amachi scum to ever roam the earth freely will now be slain."

Chapter 67

Forever Undecided

Yuchi approached Atari, eyes bloodshot and monstrous. The throbbing that had been remaining timid for so long burst out, causing Atari to fall to his knees. He clutched his curse mark as Yuchi loamed over him.

"Another defect of the Amachi…the creation of that bloody curse mark that plagues its people," smirked Yuchi drawing his sword, a remarkably beautiful sapphire blade that twinkled like a dragon's eye. He raised it as if to destroy Atari in one final stroke. Atari rolled out of the way jus tin time and the blade struck the floor. Yuchi swung aimlessly as Atari fled around the room, barely dodging his demise. At last Atari drew a shurikan and fired back, but Yuchi had been trained and was indeed the talented young ninja Haro and Garu had told him he was. Using this extra second Atari fired another shurikan, just to wait until his curse mark calmed down. Yuchi growled angrily as he continued to stalk Atari around the room. Atari planned his strategy as he crawled under a desk. Drawing upon some chakra he saw a sudden vision:

Millions of voices shouted out in pain and were suddenly silenced by an engulfing black flame. Atari recognized Haro, comforted under the arm of Garu as they walked away from all the destruction. Haro's heart was broken, and Garu was in terrible condition. Whatever was happening, the people who were still screaming in pain and suffering were dying. Everyone, everything in this area, was dying. Atari finally saw a blurry image of the Hokage's temple and realized this vision was of Honamochi. Whatever disaster befell them, it wasn't something natural such as a fire, and for the people continually were dying and voices become fainter and fainter. Pain stabbed Atari's heart as he zapped out of the vision realizing that after he was through with Yuchi, he must return to Honamochi before it was too late.

Atari returned back to full awareness and Yuchi was continually banging on the desk. Atari finally rolled out and just dodged a gliding silver blade that cut his shoulder, sending a shrill up his spine. Atari rolled to the fireplace and drew upon some of the fire's chakra, as Tashi Sensei had taught them. He used the chakra to form a kind of fire sword in his hand that miraculously did not burn him. He blocked Yuchi's sword and Yuchi eventually cried in anger: "Draw your Sakabato Menjin!" Atari successfully tucked up into the air and flipped over Yuchi, extinguishing the fire sword. Atari drew a kunine and blocked a jab from Yuchi. As a quick reflex of instinct, Atari drilled his fist into Yuchi's jaw, causing him to stumble backwards. Atari relaxed for a moment and took a deep breath before charging in. Yuchi was not as slow as he had appeared and blocked Atari's jab, summoning chakra and using a Summoning Jutsu to summon two green slivery snakes. Atari backed up and drew two shurikan that successfully sliced off both snakes head in one smooth stroke. Yuchi fired back with two kunine of his own. Atari leaped into the air and twisted just enough to dodge both blades.

"Come on Yuchi, is this all you can do? Is your 'Youth Jutsu' failing you," taunted Atari rocking back and forth to keep alert.

"I wouldn't taunt me if I were you Menjin. I am just warming up," answered Yuchi swinging his sword. Atari ran quickly out of the blade's reach. Atari drew upon some chakra but saw the same vision again before the correct amount was given to him. By this time however, Yuchi was already onto him. Atari rolled out of the way. He drew two fingers to his lips and shouted the Fireball Jutsu releasing a barrel of flames blasting Yuchi, blackened into the wall. Orchi scolded him for such carelessness:

"How can you let a genin level jutsu blow you back so far? You are not to be bested by anyone especially a hated Amachi."

Yuchi got up after muttering an answer. Yuchi arose with a renewed anger and charged in with his blade raised.

"Draw your sword Amachi. Let me face the terror spoken of for so many years. Let me face the Sakabato!"

Atari reluctantly fulfilled Yuchi's request. He reached behind himself and drew out the blade by which his father had taken so many lives. He drew it and stood firmly, deciding never to dodge another attack, but to block it and fire back stronger. Yuchi smiled confidently. Atari remained silent. These were two unrelated people, from different families and backgrounds, yet brothers, standing to fight one another, ending with one of them dead. After a few moments of vanquished silence, Yuchi attacked, jabbing in with sword raised.

Atari blocked it with ease and jabbed in with his own, but had a sudden pang of sympathy for whatever reason, and stopped just short of successfully piercing some skin. Yuchi felt so sympathy for Atari and blasted him backward with a push of chakra. Atari bounced off the wall and attacked again, only to be thrown over Yuchi with the flick of his wrist. Yuchi wasted no time and charged. Atari got up and raised his blade just in time as the two swords clashed violently, and Atari and Yuchi began exchanging blows and clashes in a battle that will be well remembered throughout the ages. This segment of clashes raged on, neither of them giving an inch, but Atari finally lost his touch and Yuchi took advantage. Yuchi sliced forward at Atari's wrist, sending the Sakabato flying across the room. Blood trickled down Atari's arm as he howled in pain and extreme anguish. He clutched the bleeding wrist as Yuchi attacked again. Atari rolled away, but his ankle was slightly cut by the sapphire blade. Yuchi raised the blade to his nose and inspected the new blood stains. "So the blood of an Amachi is truly red like that of a normal human. You would think that the blood of a demon would be more…black like the center of their hearts." Atari was overcome by anger and frustration and sprinted to the Sakabato. Yuchi followed behind him slashing aimlessly.

"The Amachi were not demons, they were a clan very serious about training their ninja, and they became more powerful than you'll ever be," scolded Atari. Yuchi became enraged by this comment and through his sword forward, its target straight into Atari's back. Atari jumped onto a nearby chair in front of him and back flipped gracefully over the blade where it struck the wall and stayed there. Atari landed softly behind Yuchi and summoned chakra to draw the Sakabato into his hand. Yuchi was not helpless without a weapon however, and whipped back with his fist. Atari blocked his fist with his palm, but Yuchi fired back with his other fist. Atari ducked and gracefully flipped over him as Yuchi turned around hoping to face him. While in midair, Atari caught the handle of the Sakabato and landed facing Yuchi, whom was still without his sapphire blade. Yuchi performed the same maneuver and danced around Atari in circles, as flexible and smooth as a shadow. Yuchi began speeding up, so much so that Atari soon saw doubles of him. It was a technique the Jenko clan used often. Atari sensed Yuchi's true presence in the midst of all the mirages and just as Yuchi dove towards him, Atari performed a Shadow Jutsu to melt into the floor and slip away like a shadow. Yuchi stared around helplessly. Atari arose behind him slowly. Orchi did not plan to get involved in this fight, but found it necessary to chime in to save his apprentice.

"Yuchi! Behind you, he is behind you!"

Yuchi whirled around with his sword and met Atari's Sakabato, making aloud clashing sound as the two exchanged blows again. Yuchi finally received a blow to the head as Atari jabbed the butt of his sword into Yuchi's skull, sending him brawling backward. Atari charged forward ruthlessly and Yuchi weakly blocked his jabs and slashes. Yuchi sidestepped dizzily to dodge some blows thrown to the feet and jumped up to flip over Atari. Atari swung upwards, but met the sapphire blade of Yuchi's sword. Yuchi landed and whirled backward, meeting Atari's sword. The two of them held that position for a few minutes, however, both pushing to try to gain ground and a better attack position.

"I underestimated you Atari, you are a talented young ninja," admitted Yuchi struggling against Atari.

"And I you," admitted Atari struggling against Yuchi.

"But don't think this means…I'm still not going to kill you."

Yuchi blasted Atari back with a push of chakra and Atari tumbled weakly from the wall. Yuchi was quick and slashed backward to just barely cut Atari's cheek, sending blood trickling down. Atari then blasted Yuchi backwards with a push of chakra erupting from his palm. Yuchi approached and slashed downward. Atari slid through Yuchi's legs and bounced up, landing a successful kick into his back. Yuchi stumbled forward and Atari began to bring in the sword for the final stab. But as the sword got closer, Atari's body resisted what his mind told it to do. He couldn't kill Yuchi, at least, not yet anyway. He remembered that this was not about his honor and desire to learn the truth, but a mission he was sent on to capture Orchi, Yuchi was only a roadblock. Atari flipped off of Yuchi rolling the air to skid to a stop. Yuchi turned around smiling at his moral victory. As they stepped forward to meet each other, Orchi interrupted, smiling evilly at Atari. Raised above his head, was a new device to Atari, a sort of metal container that had a ticking sound echoing from its insides. He smirked as he remarked:

"Times up Menjin…you lose."

Chapter 68

A Persistent Ninja

Orchi paused for a moment before releasing the bomb. Atari and Yuchi froze, Atari stared in horror, and Yuchi stared indifferently. "We have seen the last of Corasant, the very town my father ruled as a Hokage," acknowledged Orchi sending the bomb to the floor. A tenuous ticking sounded from the inside, letting Atari know there was still time. Miraculously, his cut on his cheek had already formed into a scab and soon peeled off painlessly and formed a very visible scar. Atari paused for a moment as Yuchi flashed him one final glance of hatred.

"I guess my life is finished here. So is it, as long as the Amachi dies with me," sighed Yuchi feeling unaccomplished.

"We are not yet finished my apprentice," hissed Orchi whistling and hurrying to the door. "Come we must go now." Yuchi obeyed immediately and sheathed his sword before following, looking back occasionally at Atari. Atari stood still, staring at the tales he had just heard, but from Yuchi's mouth and Ochi's. It seemed unbelievable and yet, so true. Atari heard the roaring of a starting engine and his senses snapped back into action. Atari dashed to the door to find Ren and Kie waiting anxiously.

"So did you capture him? And who is that boy," asked Ren quickly. Atari breathed brief answers.

"No time…I'll explain later. Grab the horses, Celia can ride mine. Follow the large machinery departing from the back of the palace. Hurry!"

Atari ran back into the room to find an advanced piece of machinery lying before him. It was a sort of horse and buggy, only with metal covering. No horse was visible, but instead some round objects with black rubber outsides. However, this machine had wings, long strips of metal suited for long glides. It was defiantly not a battle machine, for it had no shurikan attached or ninja mounted on it. Atari saw Orchi and Yuchi climb into a cockpit-like area, flipping a dome shaped screen of glass over them. Yuchi looked at Atari hatefully. Orchi glared angrily. Orchi pressed some buttons and the machine engine roared again. Atari thought fast and as the machine pulled away, he jumped onto the back, being constantly tugged at by the hungry wind. While onboard, Atari witnessed the unmistakable sign of the Chinese. This is not a machine many in Japan have probably heard of, thought Atari as he coughed at the choking gas exerted from the machine.

The machine departed from the palace, bouncing Atari up and down a lot. Unable to secure himself with rope or kunine to climb more towards the front, Atari was stuck in the back for a bumpy ride, as it sure served to be. Atari soon saw three horses pull out in the back; unmistakably they were Ren, Kie, and Celia. Atari signaled for them to throw some more kunine to refresh his supply. Ren reached into the saddlebags to fulfill his request when a sudden lifting feeling overcame Atari and he clutched onto a pole and was practically air born except for his hands on the pole, his knuckles white with intense fear. The rough, cold, dry air blew Atari's eyes dry, causing his eyes to water. However Atari refused to let go. Atari rescued himself against the metal and look below to see three blurry specks, supposedly the horses, stopped on the top of a cliff. The specks turned around and erupted down the mountain like flowing electricity, following the machine as Atari had instructed. He could hear Kie's shouts of encouragement and worry, but could make out no words. Atari decided to deal with his supply and drew out two kunine, and a rope he had packed. He tied one end of the rope around his waist and the other onto the pole should he fall off and be blown backward he can be sure not to fall off of the machine. Atari stabbed the kunine into the metal surface, which was soft enough to stick into to a point. Atari stabbed the next kunine farther and pulled himself upward, slowly making his way to the top. Using a Crystal Ice Jutsu, Atari nailed two more kunine to his shoes, making it extra easy to maneuver towards the cockpit. Whether Yuchi truly hated him or not, whether that tale about Orchi's father was true or not, Atari did not care. All he wanted to do was complete his mission; with a bonus…he wanted to capture Yuchi as well, to bring him home to Haro and Garu, where they could live a happy life that possibly Tai and Celia had dreamed of. Nevertheless, Atari made his way to the cockpit. However his presence on the machine was not recognized.

Orchi noticed his presence immediately stating to Yuchi:

"Do you feel that Yuchi?"

"Yes, my master, I feel a strong field of chakra residing in our machine," replied Yuchi.

"Let us give our intruder a welcome," agreed Orchi and he pressed a button. "For your reference my apprentice, if Atari is to escape the roadblocks I have sent for him, draw a few shurikan to fire at him should he fall on the screen or either of the two sections in front of us.

"Yes master," replied Yuchi drawing the sharp weapons, their metal glittering. Yuchi twirled it in his hand as he waited.

Atari heard a creaking as he climbed. A round orb object was ejected from the inside of the machine and fired shurikan at him. Atari drew his fifth and final kunine and blocked the shurikan, sending them flying back at the orb with a push of chakra. Two more orbs appeared and Atari did the same to them. After destroying about twelve orbs, they stopped appearing, Orchi obviously assumed he was either dead or fell off. Atari again made his way to the cockpit area.

His presence was still felt by both Orchi and Yuchi, Yuchi was distracted however, by the somewhat visible curse mark on Orchi's neck, remembering his soul hatred for them. Orchi snapped him out of it however, and ordered him to put the machine into landing mode. Yuchi ignored this dilemma and did as he was instructed.

Atari was taken abruptly by this force and slid down the machine's metal surface, his kunine no longer taking a grip. He decided to stab one kunine into the side of the machine as he began to slip off. He stopped and flew to land right on the front screening of the cockpit. Yuchi appeared surprised at first, but soon began firing shurikan at Atari. Atari attempted to break the screen, but it was extremely hard. Shurikan began cutting away at his shinobi shozoku. Finally Atari managed to break a slit and bashed the rest of the screen away. As he took a shurikan to the face, Atari climbed in, a midst all the punching and beatings he was receiving upon his entry. Despite his efforts to overthrow Orchi and claim control of the machine, Yuchi blasted him backwards out of the cockpit and from there the vicious wind blew him flying backwards, flipping and rolling out of control, and very dizzy. Fortunately, the rope caught him and jutted him to a stop. Atari gripped the twine rope and began pulling against the cold, dry wind towards the machine. But as he lifted up his head, despite the tremendous pressure placed upon it from the wind, he saw Yuchi standing completely stuck to the machine due to chakra control. Yuchi smiled evilly, like Orchi, and drew a kunine. He slowed to the finish, to prolong Atari's agony, but finally sliced the rope. Atari was no longer captivated and held prisoner by the wind, but was allowed a free fall.

The machine quickly faded from view and the Igna Mountains became more and more vivid as he fell closer and closer to the ground. He saw a small hill and no sooner did he hit a sharp rock. His side bled tremendously as he tumbled out of control down the hill and came to stop at the bottom. His side bled and hurt like a throbbing eternity forever engulfed in pain and anguish. Atari looked up; still dizzy from the fall, to see blurry images of three horses approaching. However, he was weak from all the activity, and laid his head down again, licking his bloody lip before fainting from exhaustion. I've failed…thought Atari, I've failed.

Chapter 69

Decision

Atari awoke on a straw mat near a crackling fire. Ren, Kie and Celia were toasting some freshly caught salmon over the fire when his vision became clear. He squinted, irritated by the warm light. Ren was the first to notice.

"He lives! Man, we had thought you died back there. Did you capture Orchi? Who was that boy?" Atari was overwhelmed by the questions and refused to answer as he slowly sat up. A piercing pain ripped through his body, sending chills after word. He looked down to find that his shinobi shozoku had been stitch so well it looked as if it had never been touched, the Sakabato lay next to him, Duke sitting by his side, and many layers of bandages wrapped around his waist and ribcage tightly. Blood stained them.

"You had broken a rib in your fall Atari, and I tried to bandage it as best I could, I hope it holds," said Kie embarrassed. Atari grunted in pain and Celia ran over and eased him down, supporting his head with a bundle of clothes. Kie became immediately enraged and beckoned Celia over to fix Atari some salmon. With Atari free for a few minutes, Kie abandoned her salmon, and Atari watched as it burned to a crisp and fell to the bottom of the ash pile gathered below the logs. Eating was no longer a concern for her. Kie knelt down by his side and Duke growled angrily. Atari sent Duke away to hunt for small game and Kie approached again. She blushed and became hot as she asked him quietly: "Does it hurt?" Atari grunted in reply and answered:

"A little, not much, I'll be fine." Kie smiled gaily and retrieved the salmon from Celia's place as she walked over to give it to him. Kie snatched the plate away jealously and cut up the salmon. Atari weakly reached for chopsticks. Kie snatched them up and placed salmon in between the chopsticks before handing them to him. "I'm not helpless Kie, I can feed myself," said Atari trying not to sound annoyed.

"Are you sure, it doesn't cause you too much pain," Kie assured.

"Yes, I'm sure," replied Atari as he began feeding himself the salmon. Ren asked again, growing impatient:

"So who was that mute boy?" Disappointment and confusion consumed Atari, causing him to stare blankly into the dancing flames. Ren pestered again: "So who was he?"

"You won't believe me Ren, even if I told you," replied Atari looking up at him. Ren laughed at this answer and smiled.

"Atari, you're my best friend, why wouldn't I believe you? Try me." Atari sighed before answering:

"The boy…for one wasn't mute, but he…was Orchi's apprentice and-"

"Man are you serious? No wonder he knew all those secret passages into the palace, and knew his way around, and could get those guards to move out of the way. I should have known," exclaimed Ren flabbergasted.

"And that's not all, the apprentice's name is…Yuchi." Ren stared at Atari, wide eyed with amazement and sounded flabbergasted.

"Now way, was it really Yuchi, as in your brother? Yuchi Lachapta? Why would he be Orchi's apprentice?" Atari nodded sadly, ashamed at his background. The dreadful truth was discovered at last; Yuchi truly, deeply, thoroughly hated him. The lifelong desire to meet Yuchi had finally come to an end, and it had ended in despair for him. However, it seemed as if there was hope. Atari decided on a new goal; to stop Orchi from resurrecting the Living Demon and overthrowing his father, in order to save Japan from a tyrannical rule, and possibly the world. If Yuchi stepped in his way, so be it. Atari would not show him mercy next time, as he had vowed to Tai. And the hope that resided in Atari's heart was for the hope that Yuchi's hatred for the Amachi and Menjin would be resolved. Because, as Garu had taught him, revenge is like a poison, once you get it, you can't get rid of it. But just as a poison weakens, so does revenge after a period of time, and hopefully, there is a cure. Atari clutched the Sakabato's sheath and vowed this. He then made the decision that once they returned to Honamochi with a failed mission, Atari would leave, regardless of if Ren wanted to accompany him. He is strong enough now, thought Atari. And maybe, he would come.

Chapter 70

The Poison Drives Hard

The next day was a painful ride for Atari. Kie voluntarily lifted him up onto his horse constantly telling him that it was ok for him to hop onto her horse for a ride. Atari refused and Celia hopped onto Ren, whom blushed as she secured her hands around his waist. They hitched off towards Honamochi in the early morning. Atari's rib throbbed in rhythm with the horses trotting, as he did not feel ready to gallop. The pain battered Atari to the point where his view of the road ahead was obscured by tears. But he was unwilling to tell anyone, especially Kie. She would loose it, thought Atari looking back, grunting softly as he did so. Kie was looking ahead, and occasionally to the sides, obviously trying to impress him with how observant she was trying to be. Atari shook his head silently as he returned his gaze to the road. She's insane, he thought.

Honamochi came into view in only a few hours that for Atari anyway, were filled with anguish. Atari cherished the moment he entered the front gate, welcoming the familiar scents back into his body and allowed them to relish his brain. Tashi Sensei was waiting for them at the Hokage's temple, trying not to show emotion, but indeed he was proud to have his students return safely from their first mission alone and without his instruction. He embraced them all, and was especially gentle with Atari, but saw the look of disappointment upon their faces.

"We failed sensei," admitted Kie depressed by this factor.

"No, I failed sensei," admitted Atari, sounding undoubtedly feeble. Ren just looked at him, stunned at his statement. Kie wrapped her arms around his shoulder as his head hung low.

"There is no 'I' in 'team' Atari, so we all failed, not just you." Ren chuckled as he took this opportunity to try to impress Celia, since ever since she joined them he was mesmerized by her.

"But there is a 'me' in 'team' you know," Ren laughed alone. Kie rolled her eyes annoyed; Celia just looked at him, obviously not amused by his uneducated comment. Atari shook his head sadly:

"Thanks for the words of optimism Ren, but I take this failure upon myself. I let my personal feelings and desires get in the way of our mission; our true purpose. I'm sorry sensei, and I have one last wish to ask of you." Tashi Sensei bowed his head for a moment before speaking.

"You honor me Atari, and I commend you for taking responsibilities for your actions. I am proud to have been your master. Now, ask of me, your desire." Atari trembled nervously before asking:

"As a Jonin, and citizen of Honamochi, am I not allowed to leave the village according to my own will, is that not correct and stated in the 'Freedoms of Jonin Contract' written when the First Hokage ruled?" Tashi Sensei laughed happily and replied:

"You know your history well Atari, just like your father. Yes, that is correct, what of it?"

"I request that tomorrow night I am to leave this village. I do not know when I will return, or how long I will be gone. Because of this feel free to have a Chunin fill in my place during patrols. I am to ask if I may do so." Tears filled Tashi Sensei's eyes.

"It pains me to see you go Atari, but yes, you are entitled to do so, and you have my permission, may the Buddha guide and protect you,' and he bowed polity. Atari returned this gesture and repeated the blessing back. He then peered at Ren and Ren nodded, understanding. The squad then parted. He will come, thought Atari, he will come.